Fridge Friend Recipes
Creamy Chorizo and Cheddar Polenta recipe
Comforting, savoury polenta topped with crisp chorizo and melting cheese, finished with a bright orange juice reduction for a subtle citrus lift. Rich, creamy and satisfying, it works well for lunch or a light dinner.
35 min · Medium · Spanish-inspired Jump to method
Ingredients
- 200g Chorizo Sausages
- 200g Polenta
- 100g Cheddar Cheese
- 25g Butter
- 150ml Orange Juice
- 150ml Milk
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
| Nutrition | Per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 522 kcal |
| Protein | 18.4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 43.5 g |
| Fat | 29.5 g |
| Saturated fat | 14 g |
| Fibre | 2.2 g |
| Sugar | 8.3 g |
| Sodium | 860 mg |
Why this works
Rich, energy-dense and savoury, with a good protein hit but high in saturated fat and salt.
Calcium. Cheddar and milk contribute calcium for bone health, though the amount is offset by the dish’s higher saturated fat.
Protein. Chorizo, cheddar and milk provide a moderate protein content, supporting satiety and muscle maintenance.
Salt and saturated fat. Chorizo, cheese and added salt make this a high-sodium, higher saturated fat dish, so it’s best enjoyed occasionally.
Method
- Heat a dry frying pan over a medium heat and cook the chorizo sausages until browned and the fat has rendered. Remove and slice, leaving the flavoured oil in the pan.
- In a small pan, simmer the orange juice until reduced by about half to form a light syrup. Keep warm.
- Meanwhile, bring 750 ml water to the boil in a saucepan and whisk in the polenta gradually, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Reduce the heat and cook the polenta for 20–25 minutes, stirring often, until thick and creamy. Stir in the butter and cheese, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Fold most of the sliced chorizo through the polenta, reserving a few pieces for the top.
- Spoon into bowls, finish with the remaining chorizo and drizzle over a little of the orange reduction before serving.
Recipes with some of the same ingredients
Baked Cheesy Sausages with Buttered Bread
25 min · Cooked sausages are baked under a savoury cheese topping and served with warm buttered bread. This is a cosy, no-fuss dish with plenty of flavour and a satisfyingly melty finish.
Cheesy Chorizo and Pepper Quiche
55 min · A golden, savoury quiche packed with smoky chorizo, sweet red onion and green pepper, bound in a rich egg filling. Finished with melted cheese for a comforting dish that works brilliantly for lunch or a light dinner.
Cheesy Chorizo Omelette with Tomato Salsa
20 min · A fluffy omelette packed with smoky chorizo and melted cheese, served with a bright tomato, red onion and garlic salsa. A splash of hot sauce gives it a lively finish.
Cheesy Chorizo Scrambled Eggs with Crisps
15 min · Rich, softly set scrambled eggs are folded with smoky chorizo and melted cheese, then finished with a satisfying crisp crunch. It’s a quick, indulgent dish that works brilliantly for breakfast, brunch or a speedy savoury snack.
Cheesy Chorizo Stuffed Mushrooms
30 min · Large mushrooms are filled with a savoury chorizo and cheese mixture, then baked until bubbling and golden. It makes a rich, punchy snack or starter with a proper Spanish feel.
Chorizo & Egg Savoury Muffins
35 min · A rich, savoury breakfast muffin packed with smoky chorizo, melted cheese and fluffy egg. Perfect for make-ahead breakfasts or a quick brunch on the go.
Other Spanish-inspired recipes
Chorizo and Carrot Salad with Lime Yoghurt Dressing
20 min · A vibrant salad of warm chorizo, sweet carrots and crisp lettuce, finished with a zingy lime yoghurt dressing. It is fresh, savoury and satisfying, with plenty of colour and contrast in every bite.
Chorizo and Cheese Wrap-Style Salad Bowl
15 min · Smoky chorizo sausages, juicy tomatoes and crisp mixed salad are topped with melted cheese and a punchy dressing for a hearty salad bowl with all the flavours of a wrap, minus the wrap. A splash of hot sauce adds a lively kick and keeps it bold and satisfying.
Chorizo and Mixed Vegetable Soup
30 min · A warming, smoky soup with chorizo richness and plenty of mixed vegetables. Butter and garlic build a savoury base for a comforting bowlful that works well as a light lunch or supper.
Chorizo and Yoghurt Baked Eggs with Paprika Potatoes
40 min · A hearty, smoky tray-bake of chorizo and potatoes finished with eggs and a cooling spoonful of yoghurt. It makes a satisfying brunch or light supper with plenty of colour and flavour.
Chorizo, Cheese and Crisps Sharing Plate
15 min · A vibrant sharing plate of crisp fried chorizo with melted cheese and crunchy crisps, perfect for easy entertaining. Rich, salty and indulgent, it makes a quick savoury nibble for any gathering.
Chorizo, Leek and Pepper Skillet with Citrus Finish
25 min · A smoky, vibrant skillet of chorizo, leeks and sweet peppers finished with bright lime and orange. It is quick to cook, full of colour, and works brilliantly as a light dinner or hearty lunch.
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